Figure 3.

Biomechanical stress stimulates the mechanosensitive molecules on the EPC surface, and then induces cytoskeleton rearrangement and activates series of downstream signaling pathway. The following cascades lead to change of gene expression, ultimately influencing the cell fundamental activities including cell proliferation, differentiation, recruitment, and motivation, depending upon the need of vessel repair. EPCs: Endothelial progenitor cells; ECs: Endothelial cells; SMCs: Smooth muscle cells. The black arrow points out the direction of stress.